Board of Directors

Adrian DeGraffenreidt, President, maintains the current Federation website to ensure accuracy regarding events, news posts, and digital ads. Adrian ensures all Board Members are properly trained on he use of the website. In addition, he maintains the e-commerce aspect of the website to ensure event pricing is accurate for each program and event. Adrian supports other committee chairs by maintaining registration lists for upcoming programs and events. Adrian is the leading resource and advocate for the Federation that keeps our members connected.

Courtney is owner and COO at The Bookkeeper, a Raleigh-based firm offering operational accounting and CFO consulting to organizations nationwide. She is now in her third decade of accounting, and lives in Raleigh with her husband and two sons.

I’m a marketer with 20+ years of experience as a strategist, creative director, art director, and copywriter. I have been fortunate enough to work with a wide variety of brands across almost every sector from enterprise-level clients to small, exciting startups and heartfelt non-profits. I’ve been involved in B2B, B2C, and pretty much everything in between. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few accolades, but am more excited to see transformation occur in the brands I partner with.

I like to look at big picture ways to meet business objectives by combining a strong brand foundation with strategic thinking with creative ingenuity. My role as a generalist allows me to look at the entire spectrum of available tactics to create a cohesive plan and to effectively guide it through implementation. It’s having the knowledge and experience to know proven tactics but also the courage to pioneer new ideas.

I am passionate about telling my client’s stories in a way that helps them achieve their own unique vision, and I love helping them bring that vision to life.

I have been part of the AAF in both Louisville and Raleigh having roles at every level of involvement including programming chair, a 2-year term as president, and a year as state governor. I’m excited to helm the American Advertising Awards for 2021-2022 and look forward to an exciting year of growth.

A passionate creative leader, John works to inspire his team and clients to push boundaries and connect with audiences in ways that generate action. He manages projects, people and client expectations with equal enthusiasm. From brand identity to integrated campaigns, John leads with a focus on translating business strategy into effective marketing communications. An award-winning art director and designer, with a desire to find innovative solutions, he has overseen creative campaigns for a diverse range of clients including Wrangler Jeans, Pendleton Whisky, Cordura Fabric, Kioti Tractors, Georgia-Pacific, Sappi Fine Paper and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

John is a native of Raleigh, NC and attended NC State University, where he received a degree in Verbal & Visual Communications. The son of an art teacher and an architect, John has had a love for art, design, photography and advertising, as far back as he can remember.